Other on-board providers Other physicians, nurses, and prehospital providers are often also on board. Responding physicians can also request the assistance of these other healthcare providers. Flight attendants in the United States are required to be trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

There is no legal requirement for a doctor or nurse to be on board a commercial flight; however, statistics show that a medical professional is present on roughly 80% of long-haul flights purely by chance as a passenger. If a medical emergency occurs, flight attendants—who are trained in advanced first aid, CPR, and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs)—will first ask over the intercom if there is a "medical professional on board." If one responds, they are protected from liability in most jurisdictions (like the US under the Aviation Medical Assistance Act) as long as they act in good faith. In 2026, most major airlines also utilize telemedicine services like MedLink, which allows the crew to speak directly with emergency room doctors on the ground via satellite phone. These ground-based doctors can guide the crew or a passenger volunteer through complex procedures and help the Captain decide if an emergency diversion to the nearest airport is necessary to save the passenger's life.